The president of Guernsey’s Chamber of Commerce is calling on politicians to sort the current air links mess sparked by legal proceedings brought by the airline Blue Islands over the launch of an air-taxi service.
Waves was granted a licence to operate an air taxi service, but has temporarily stopped selling individual seats on its flights following an objection by Blue Islands who argue only selling all the seats as a bloc would be legal.
Chamber president Martyn Dorey said: “Chamber is entirely supportive of our 600-strong corporate membership, including Blue Islands, and as part of that we recognise the hugely important requirement for good transport links. We respect Waves’ decision to change its business model – stopping selling single seats and only allowing full chartering of the aircraft – in response to the prospect of the Transport Authority hearing.”
“If there are concerns about the definition of an air taxi service, though, States members are able to drive the agenda to allow for new, innovative business models in the Bailiwick’s airspace. They could, for example, demonstrate agility by quickly introducing legislation for a new on demand category. The whole point in having control of our airspace and territory is so that we can develop thought leadership and deliver innovative ideas quickly and efficiently.”
In a statement, Waves said: “Waves has updated its model to enable ‘entire aircraft’ bookings for customers. This local service remains on demand and with the same time efficient security and check in process. We have already secured a number of aircraft charters between the islands.”
It is currently advertising 9-person flights from Guernsey to Jersey for £399, 7-person flights from Guernsey to Alderney for £399, and 7-person flights from Jersey to Alderney for £499.
